As a new year begins, people often look for a fresh sense of direction. Some set intentions or resolutions, and many try to reset habits—especially after the indulgences of the holidays. In the design world, the start of the year brings its own tradition. For Sherwin-Williams Decorating Den Interiors’ newest Alliance Partner, the turning of the calendar signals the reveal of a standout color chosen to set the tone for the year ahead.
Much like the annual announcements from Benjamin Moore and the Pantone Color Institute, Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year program highlights a single paint color selected to influence design trends and spark creativity. The goal is to inspire homeowners and designers alike—offering that “aha” moment that encourages thoughtful, meaningful ways to introduce the color into a space and make it feel truly special.
What Is Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year for 2026?
Universal Khaki is Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year for 2026, selected by the company’s color experts for its “beautiful balance of livability and longevity.” It’s not just a traditional neutral shade; it’s forward-thinking and easy to adopt in any type of home interior design, making it a dynamic hue to use in your space.
Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing and Trendsight Team Leader at Sherwin-Williams, added, “Universal Khaki is the easygoing neutral that makes every room feel pulled together. It’s warm, earthy tone works with natural finishes, crisp whites or bold pops of color.”
While neutrals evolve, they’re ever-present in the design world, making this hue both trendy and timeless. Universal Khaki is a win-win for people picking a new color for their rooms because it’s a warm, adaptable shade that still works alongside cool tones, ensuring it supports a wide range of aesthetics.
Why Sherwin-Williams Chose Universal Khaki for 2026: What Sets It Apart?
After years of stark, all-gray interiors, the company wanted to boldly take a step in a warmer, more versatile direction. The market is shifting toward bright, welcoming tones like beiges, taupes and tans that feel nostalgic and bring us back to a time when things felt simpler. Universal Khaki focuses on the comfortable and organic design that people are yearning for.
Comfort and Stability
In 2026, people began drifting away from super-modern, cookie-cutter spaces and have, instead, been moving toward design that reminds them of times and places from their past that they adore. This could include selecting serving dishes and dining room centerpieces that remind you of your grandparents’ home. Or, maybe you’re looking for a wall color that gives you the same cozy feeling as your best friend’s house growing up. Universal Khaki draws on those sentiments, delivering a comfortable, evocative hue.
Sustainability and Nature-Inspired Design
Nature-focused, biophilic looks are all the rage right now, bringing the great outdoors inside through color, form and textures. Because it’s an earth tone, this star shade draws inspiration from organic design, delivering a color that highlights Mother Nature while still feeling elegant.
Add in pops of color for a fun take on this neutral look.
Flexible Living Spaces
Whether you love switching up your furniture and wall decor regularly or simply want a color that will withstand the test of time and stay chic through it all, Universal Khaki brings flexibility to your living spaces. It’s a very livable color, making it easy to incorporate into any interior design style or room function. Bring warmth to your kitchen or create a haven in your bedroom with this calming shade — no use case is too much or unsuitable.
Using the Color of the Year in Your Home: Decorate Like a Pro
How are the experts using Universal Khaki? Interior designers are getting creative with this fun shade, experimenting with whole-room color drenching, layered neutral palettes and using it as a backdrop for bold textures or statement furniture.
Here’s a room-to-room breakdown of ideas:
Living Rooms: Warm, Inviting Backdrops
Paint your living room with Universal Khaki as a foundational color before introducing other restorative darks like deep browns and reddened earth tones. This creates an ultra-cozy space that’s sophisticated yet inviting.
Universal Khaki is Sherwin-Williams’ color of the year, and it’s a timeless classic you’ll definitely want to use in your home.
Bedrooms: Calming, Restful Environments
Install a calm, printed wallpaper with a beige background. Then, paint the trim, door and ceiling in Universal Khaki. This creates a serene appearance while still being visually interesting. Decorate the bed with duvets, pillows and throws in crisp whites and other light neutrals.
Kitchens and Dining Spaces: Subtle Sophistication
Your kitchen and dining space are meant for hosting and gathering with friends and family, meaning it’s best to keep it light and airy. Paint your cabinetry in Universal Khaki, as well as an accent wall in your dining room to tie the two spaces together. Keep the other colors in the space pastel and light, with one bold color to pique people’s interest.
Home Offices: Neutral Focus Without Sterility
Your productive workspace should be undistracting, enabling you to focus on your work. Create a monochromatic scheme, putting Universal Khaki at the center of attention. The result is a peaceful area that feels full of life.
Picking the Perfect Color Palette
When deciding on your color palette, you have every color under the sun available to you, which can be a bit overwhelming. We’ve compiled a few colors to narrow down your focus. Some Sherwin-Williams shades that pair well with sunbaked hues include:
- White Snow.
- Cream and Sugar.
- Lemon Chiffon.
- Henna Shade.
- Dark Auburn.
- Limestone.
- Garden Gate.
- Tarragon.
- Watery.
Want more inspo? Here are some other tints that may look great paired with Universal Khaki:
- Soft whites and creams.
- Warm taupes and browns.
- Muted greens and clay tones.
Ready, Set, Paint!
With its warm, earthy tone and classic finish, Universal Khaki works across home styles. Its balanced shade pairs easily with a wide range of colors, making it adaptable to casual, professional and elevated looks.
If you’re searching for a color that will elevate your home without forcing you to change up its aesthetic, this is the one. Plus, Sherwin-Williams is a tried-and-true paint brand that continuously delivers on paint quality and finish, which is why we’re so proud to be partnering with this innovative company at DL Rich Designs Decorating Den Interiors.
Are you hoping to upgrade your home this year, but don’t know where to start? Maybe all you need is a fresh coat of paint, or you may want to give your space some more extensive TLC. Either way, we’re here to help.
Contact DL Rich Designs Decorating Den Interiors via our online form, give us a call at 301-970-9339, or schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation today!
DL Rich Designs Decorating Den Interiors proudly serves Bowie, Crofton, Upper Marlboro, Gambrills, Beechtree, Mitchellville, Greenbelt, Odenton, Crownsville, Davidsonville, Laurel, Two Rivers, Waldorf, Glenarden, Glenn Dale, Fulton, Prince George’s County, College Park, Bladensburg, Maple Lawn, Riverdale Park, Hyattsville, Arundel County, Balmoral, Oak Creek, Marlboro Ridge, Harbor East, Silver Spring, and surrounding areas.
